IPL 2019: Rishabh Pant masterclass guides Delhi Capitals to dominant win vs MI
Mumbai: It was a new beginning for Delhi Capitals (DC) in their brand new avatar as they got their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign on a high note, by beating Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday.
DC’s Rishabh Pant proved his worth as he slammed an unbeaten 78 off 27 balls, eventually reaching the half-century mark in just 18 deliveries.
While Shikhar Dhawan (43) and Colin Ingram produced fine performances, Pant’s knock which followed was instrumental for the visitors as they aggregated a total of 213-6 from 20 overs.
While the young wicket-keeper batsman played shots all over the ground, it was a horrific night for MI’s bowlers as each of them had an economy rate of over 10.
Mitchell McClenaghan (3/40) looked the better among the bowlers for the hosts, finishing his four-over spell by picking up three wickets.
However, MI were hit with a major blow as their premier pacer and a World Cup prospect for India, Jasprit Bumrah hurt his left shoulder, eventually leaving the field.
Mumbai’s top-order in reply looked a little bit shaky, having lost their captain Rohit Sharma (14) and Suryakumar Yadav (2) after a confident start.
Despite ending up in the losing side, Yuvraj Singh kicked off his campaign with a 32-ball fifty, his first for MI and 13th overall in the IPL. The 37-year-old was eventually dismissed for 53 by Kagiso Rabada.
MI’s innings and the match eventually came to an end after Pant produced another masterclass behind the stumps, with Rahul Tewatia picking up the wicket. Bumrah, as a result, was absent retired hurt as Shreyas Iyer and co had the last laugh.
